HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/26/1986PLANNING CONMISSION
TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS
26379 Fremcnt Road
Los Altos Hills, California
Wedmsday, March 26, 1986
Reel 122, Side II, Tract I, 000 -End; Side I, Tract 11, 000-040
Chairman Carico called the meeting to order at 7:35 P.M. in the Tbw� Hall Council
chatrbers.
A. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Present; Conrussioners Gottlieb (arrived 8:20 P.M.) , Kaufnw, Lachenbruch, Siegel,
Struthers, Yanez (arrived 7:50 P.M.),and Chairman Carico
Abs�t: None
city
C�ncil Rep: Council� van Tamelen
Staff: Michael W. Enright, City Engineer; Nancy Lytle, Town Pla�ner;
Ieslie Mullins, Secretary
B. CONSENT CALENDAR:
Item Removed; B.1. Lachenbruch
Lachenbruch asked the minutes of March 12, 1986, be amended as follows: On page
5, after the fourth paragraph the following language be added: "Lachenbruch
replied he disagreed with Nis. Webb's cc�t; his suggestion would increase
omplisuca of Parcel "B", but increase LUF by .03".
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Lachenbruch, seconded by Siegel and
passed unanimously to approve the Consent Calendar as am�ded, specifically:
1. Minutes of March 12, 1986 (as amended)
2. Setting Public Hearings for April 9, 1986:
a. Lands of Berry Hill Farms, Annual Review - C.U.P.
b. Lands of Ow1wood Farms, Annual Review - C.U.P.
c. Lands of westwind Farms, Amual Review - C.U.P.
d. Lands of Is Londe, File #CUP 9-85, Conditional Use Permit
e. Lands of Wong, Appeal of Site Developnmt Decision
C. R�p= FRDM CITy COjNCIL "awTING OF M%RCH 19, 1986:
cmmdssi�r Kaufman reported the City Comcil approved Lot Line Adjust=t
for Lands of Kelly; approved Final Map for Lands of Calvo; approved Special
Land use Permits for Anderson, McCandless and Chong; approved `112utatiVe MzP
for Lands of Ugie with mDdifications to Conditions of Approval. Y�fman
reported co=il received a � chart on Floor Area prepared by Staff, will
be forwarded to Ocomission. K�aufman reported C�ncil reviewed staff report
by City Manager regarding maxinum on Dovelopm�t Area, and requiring applicant
to be present at hearings, noting M wticn taken on this item; and continued
request for encrcwzbm�t permit for Yanase Matadero Creek.
Planning Gomaission minutes - March 26, 1986
Page Two
D. PUBLIC HEARINt6:
1. DRAFT ENVIR"ENTAL EIPACI' REPOW - ADDBE CREFK LCDGE AND CaMW CLUB
26220 b1body Road, Earth Metrics,Incorporated, DecaTber 1985
Chairman Carlo, Infomed C�ssin and public this meeting is the first
step to consider the EIR on this Property, noting �1� all aware this EIR
is not an adequate EIR and that there � many concerns to address that
have not yet been addressed. Carico noted we will receive further input
f= the city Attorney and staff will cagpile all of the information
received f= public this eveningo both written and verbal into a Final
EIR. C,,iw noted tonight I will open the public hearing so that everyone
can and will be heard, asking public to please not repeat concerns which
have already been addressed. Carioo noted CamLission and staff will not
get into dialogue and only responding to technical questions. Carloo noted
after the public hearing, the cmudssion will express their concerns and
make a decision on whether the Final EIR should come back to full CmYnission
for further review or go directly onto the City Council. Carico stressed
the o=en ts received this evening should be related to the environment.
Ms. Lytle referred to Staff Report dated Maich 20F 1986, informing CWmissim
and public this public hearing is to receive public connents on the Draft EIR
for the proposed Adobe Creek lodge and Country (*Iu according to Section
15087 (g) of the California Envirormiental. Quality Act (Csoh) - Ms. Lytle
infomed cannission a 45 day pablic review period required by CEQA was noticed
and closed on February 28, 1986, noting written comnants received during
the review period are included in the packet. Ms. Lytle indicated Earth
4W Yietrics are here to present a sunmary of the Draft EIR and to receive all
ca�ents this evening f� public and ccamission. Ms. Lytle noted after the
public hearing, all comnants on envircruental issues received will be evaluated
and a written response will be prepared. Staff reccmmnds that Cmnission nor
staff should attempt to respond to ccauents at this public hearing, noting the
consultant my wish to clarify specific sections of the report, or to answer
questions. Staff recmvended the CanTLLssicn take one of the following actions:
1. Make comnants on the Draft EIR and once the response camTents are prepared,
hold a second public hearing on the Final EIR, with a reccmaendation being
forwarded to City Council; or 2. Make c�ments on the Draft EIR, and refer
the Final EIR to the Council without recOmIendatims; Or with recomnandat'on
without holding second public hearing.
The Public Hearing was then opened.
Yz. Michael Hogan, Earth Metrics, Inc., acknowledged that staff has been wry
thorough and helpful to us during our �view. Mr. Hogan indicated the work
on the FIR is about in the middle of the process, noting first the Draft EIR
has been prepared and we are now ready for cmvents, also referring to comnants
received during the 45 day review period as being very constructive. Mr. Hogan
sumnar ized the findings of the Draft EIR, ref=ing to the Tom's C3eneral Plan,
noting tra fic would have impacts from El Nbnte Road - Foothill College to west
of the lodge, impacts upon pedestrians/equestrians, impacts on parking and
possibility of illegal parking problems c�ing noting however, there are
mitigating measures included in the Draft EIR for review. yx. Hogan also noted
%W there would be sam drainage impacts, concerns over sewage capacity, etc.
Planning commission minutes - March 26, 1986
Page Three,
D. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. DRAFT ENVnUOM'1AL INTACr PE=: (continued)
14r- �pLd_P ft, 26 71 1, informed Commission on behalf of himself
s if�
and addreS6 uxt questions they have regarding the Draft
EIR, with suggestions on some items, noting the Draft EIR addresses the
various possible and actual impacts from a quantitative point of view, it
does not however, address these from a qualitative point of view. Mr. Proft.
noted probably the main reason for people moving to the Hills is the quality
of the surroundings and the desire to live in a rural environment in the
midst of urbanization. Mr. Proft referred to specific pages within the
Draft EIR, addressing points w1iich needed clarification and further study,
with some suggestions and obserwtions on certain topics. Mr. Proft noted
in summary, the data provided in the Draft EIR leads us to conclude that
the site is not properly located because of the cmycn which echoes noise
and is not served by adequate roads; the proposed site is incoupatible, with
land use in the inuediate neighborhood which is single family residences;
the streets serving the site � of inadequate width and pavement to carry the
quantity and kind of traffic generated by the proposed use; and the proposed
use will adversely effect abutting properties.
Ws.carol 616 Moody Road, informed Commission she too has reviewed the
Dratt EIR ly,F.ss come up with some different conclusions than Mr. Proft, noting
first of all prior to incorporation of the Town, the property was used as a
a resort not a Country Club. Mrs.Phy raised concerns over Air Quality with
nom cars trawling through the narrow canyon, noise in the canyon, she did
not feel was adequately addressed by the Draft EIR. Mrs. Phy noted a project
kaw of this magnitude cannot be considered compatible with existing surroundings.
Yxs. Phy questioned if the trip generation nuThers presented in the EIR ars,
including service vehicles to the property� Mrs. Phy indicated the average
rain fall is 35" for information purposes. Mrs. Phy raised concerns over the
tennis courts located within flood plain, scenic view qualities of Moody Road,
and the use of the word "perceive" referred to in the Draft EIR. Mrs. Phy
noted she would type up her comments and bring them in to Tom Hall for the
file.
Mrs. judith 11800 �kwietta Lane, informed CcnuLission she had only
addres�edtheKgm pages or trie Drart EIR as she found it full of errors,
referring to a letter dated March 26, 1986, noting in reading the report it
becomes quite clear that there are nany inconsistencies, unsubstantiated
reasoning and highly dubious statistics put forth to influence the Coanissions
decisions regarding the property at 26220 Moody Road. Mrs. Zubriggen referred
to the Town 'a CDeneral Plan which is seriously outdated and in need of invediate
revision, and that the Town's Sphere of Influence extends to the Duveneck Property,
which is known as Hidden Villa, noting the founder died this past fall, and
currently there are mmy changes being considered for this 1,800 acres, (i.e.,
annexation to Los Altos Hills, possibility of subdivision, expansion of current
programs) noting all these concerns should be addressed in the EIR and are not.
Mrs. Zubriggen noted as a resident of the Town, that upon examination of the
Draft EIR, that the Ccumission's findings will reflect the wishes of the coamunity
that mother recreational facility is not consistent with the character of the
Town, noting the majority of residents find Los Altos Hills desirable as a
residential commun ity only, not as the site for private country clubs for the
Bay Area, noting the Hills are� surrounded by ample recreational facilities
both public and private.
Planning Commission Minutes - March 26, 1986
Page Four
D. PUBLIC H&URIN'Z:
1. DRAFT ENVIF40NMENTAL IMPACT RITORr: (continued)
kw Zk1gLd ft",,W Briones Way, spoke in favor of retaining the
community as it is a very traditional place, instead
of allowing it to become several million dollar residences.
Mr. Bob Poole, 26041 Moody Road, informed ccunission he lives directly across
from the tennas courts, having resided in LAB since 1950 and have seen all
the gyrations of the lodge, noting since it's now inoperatable the silence
is deafening, the hills are like an echo chanter, the sound carries up the hill,
the noise is a definate concern of the neighborhood. Mr. Poole raised concerns
over additional traffic on Moody P�d which would be generated from the Adobe
Creek Lodge when in operation. Mr. Poole expressed concern over the barrels
which haw arrived at the property, noting With more paving there is more runoff.
Mr. James Carter, 13975 La Paloma Road, indicated he has lived in the n a for
about 25 years, noting such a large piece of beautiful property should be able
to be kept in public domain if possible and not destroyed by construction of
several new large homes.
Mrs. Elise Wilson, 25750 Moody Road, informed Commission they moved in the area
during the operstiEn-of —Adobe Creek Lodge, noting the impacts related to operation
at that time were: noise (echo through canyon) , large amounts of traffic
generated and accidents. Mrs. Wilson expressed concern over flooding of her
property over the past few years, noting operation of the club could contribute
more to an existing drainage problem. With regard to the condition of Moody Road,
Mrs. Wilson, indicated it is wry eroded and with more traffic can rapidly get worse�
Mr. Darry Hurley, Altamont Road, infonTed Commission the roadways within our Town
are wry rural, noting he fes-3ust as many concerns over the traffic generated
from Foothills Park on Page Mill P�oad.
Mr. 12025 Moody Springs Court, expressed concerns over traffic, drainage
and i�;terring to the last public hearing on the reactivation of the Adobe
Creek Lodge conditional Use Permit, noting he had presented information With
regard to traffic and other related issues which does not show up anywhere in
the Draft EIR. Mr. Pang noted them is no information regarding accidents,
80th percentile for traffic, trip generation, no comment regarding the Duveneck
property with regard to increasing farm use, possible subdivision and construction
of homes on the 1,800 open space property. Mr. Pang noted the comments node by
Envirormv,-ntal Design Cmmittee and Cal Trans are wry useful, and should be
included in the EIR. With regard to drainage, Mr. Pang noted he Was wry amazed
over comments made by Santa Clara valley Water District, as them a existing
problems with maintenance of the creek and we don't haw the capacity for any
expansion. Mr. Pang noted them are many questions which are still unanswered
from the last reviqw on indicjtLr I . s O&c�jate.
�g,tl&�Sro EIR I
Mr. Pang noted review oft�JOPHWhas no e very impo update.
Ms. Lytle informed public and commission of the status of the harml.q on the�
Adobe Creek property, noting the city Attorney has initiated enforcement action
to have the barrels removed, with reqard to zoning ordinance violations, violation
of the nmlclpal Code prohibiting litter and public nuisance. Ms. Lytle informed
Commission and public of other agencies which have also had interest in the
placevent of the barrels, i.e., Environmental Crime Section of the District Attorney's
office, Santa Clara Valley Water District, Department of Fish and C�ame, Los Altos
Fire Protection District who have indicated them is no fire hazard or violations,
461 Water Quality Control, Hazardaus Materials Section of Santa Clara County indicating
the barrels are not toxic, not hazardous and not a health threat. Ms. Lytle
noted the Town has a chemical report from San Mateo County On the materials
which is available for public review.
Planning Ccumission minutes - March 26, 1986
Page Five
D. PUBLIC HEARD4GS:
1. DRAFT ENVIPaT4aUAL IMPACr Faulow: (continued)
Mr. Proft, 26271 Moody Road, thanked staff for their investigation of the
barrels.
Mrs. Steers, 11641 Buena Vista Drive, inforned connission she has lived in
the �rea for 50 years, noting the Adobe Creek Iodge is a beautiful piece of
property and has served as enjoynent for many years and hopefully for many
nore years to come.
Mr. Michael Earth metrics, thanked all those in the public who
cane to giW%putl On the Dratt EIR, noting it has been articulate, helpful
and constructive, and with this information we will be able to form a Final
EIR for review by public and the Tom Officials. Mr. Hogan briefly reviewed
commen ts made on noise levels and how they are measured, hydrology, noting
both 100 year and 10 year stom were taken into account and review of runoff
from existing paved surfaces. With regard to traffic inpacts, Mr. Hogan
noted CEQA does not require the traffic analyst be registered, noting they
haw referred to information supplied by Pang & Associates as well as two
other consultants, with regard to peak hour traffic, and service trips
as mentioned earlier. Mr. Hogan thanked Mrs. Phy for the information on
rainfall as it is very helpful. Mr. Hogan noted with regard to Air Quality,
CIDDA requires one to make findings of non-signficance as long as State and
Federal standards are met, noting it is up to the Town as a whole to make
the quantitative standards, as we have made convents as required by law.
Mr. Hogan noted we have made an attempt to make review of quantitative and
�W qualitative uses in IDs Altus Hills, changes and effects on the quality of
life. Mr. Hogan indicated that you must look at the Draft EIR as a whole,
not in bits and pieces.
Commissioners expressed concern over the information supplied in the Draft
EIR, as some data lead to confusion by the reader of the report; a lot of
inconsistencies, noise related issues and follow up on the Hidden Villa
property as being very irportant for review and preparation of the Final
FIR, as well as comments received this evening from the public and that
received during the 45 day review period. Cannission indicated the need for
information over possible uses during the operation of the club, i.e.,
tennis to urnane nts, w;eddings, dancing, msic, etc., and the need to refer
to the usable acreage of the Property, not the property as a whole.
Mrs. Lola Carstens, 13761 Ia Palcma� Road, inf0IMcd CmInission during the
last submittal of Conditional Use permit for the Club, a green booklet was
provided in which specific uses were addressed.
The public Hearing was then closed, and ommssion expressed their concerns
and ccnuents over the Draft EIR.
chairman carico indicated as there are further studies which need to be
conducted in preparation of the Final EIR, she hoped there could be something
included over the potential fire hazard during dry months. Carico expressed
the need to update General Plan and how fast will Moody Road deteriorate with use?
Commissioner Lachenbruch thanked the Environmental Design C�ttee for Ij
excellent analysis of the Draft EIR, noting he is very proud of the Connie
and Staff on their hard work and the out� of this evenings meeting.
iachenb�ch indicated a general point which has not yet been made is the General
Plan larguage should be considered, reading from the Circulation Element of
the General Plan, to keep in mind that roads a circulation facilities which
planning Oonmission Minutes - March 26, 1986
Page Six
D. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. DRAFT ENVIFUNMENTAL nqpACT FEpORT: (continued)
the Town needs to preserve, noting to keep in mind, not only looking at
roads for nlotor vehicle ,pacts, but also uses such as: jogging, bicycling,
horseback riding, etc.
C,,,,ssioner Kauf� expressed the need to not only look into the existing
issues related to roadways, but the eventual inpacts if the Hidden Villa
property is subdivided and built out substantially, that Moody Road my
not be able to ramin a 2 lare roadway. Kauft�an questioned the use of
Moody Road by trailers and trucks, asking if there were some way to regulate
size and weight?
CmTnissianer Gottlieb noted the Draft EIR addressing parking, but it
does not refer to people at the club site, noting she would like to see
a study an how many people the site could hold, with use of tennis courts,
pools, etc., how much of the land is usable? and can the land hold the
nunber of menters proposed?
Camussioner Struthers noted there are references to nuTbers of trips
per mamber, and the need for a chart which would address all problems
for each mmikership number requested, for couparative figure use. Struthers
questioned why Purissima Hills Water District is nentioned in the EIR
when the property is serviced by Cal Water? St�ruthers requested infoxma-
tion over wash outs along the creek and below the creek, with or without
the operation of the club. Struthers noted there is a need for a study
along this creek.
Chairxan Carico questioned ComisBioners on whether the Final EIR should
return to the Cmudssion for further public hearings, or sent directly on
to the City Council.
Cmudssioner Siegel indicated he felt the Final FIR should go directly to
City Council, as the Cmvission has held a very good hearing this evening,
noting Coamission has expressed their coments as well as the Public,
and now staff and consultants will prepare the Final EIR for public hearing
with the City Council, as the Conmission has mt the purposes of a public
hearing.
Cmmissioner yanez concurred with Siegel.
MDTICN SECCNDED AND FAILED: Yrved by Siegel, seconded by Yanez and failed
by the following roll call vote that afterreceiveing ca�nts and discussion
this evenin g on the Draft EIR for the Adobe Creek Lodge and Country Club,
staff and consultant will prepare the Final EIR- Commission does not feel
it necessary to hold another public hearing as the City council will also
be holding a public hearing on the Final EIR, to send the Final EIR to the
City Council without rec amendation frm Planning CmTnissim.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: C�ssioners Kau=an, Siegel and Yanez
NaEs: comdssioners Gottlieb, Lachenbruch, Struthers and Chairman Car'CO
ABSTAIN: None
�w
Planning Cannissicn Minutes - March 26, 1986
Page Seven
D. PUBLIC HEAP,]NGS:
1. DRAFT MWaWNTAL IMPACT REP01U: (continued)
%W Councilwoman van Tanele, questioned staff if it is necessary for Commission
to hold another public bearing on the Final EIR? Ms. Lytle informed Council-
waTan van Ta�elen and CcmTLLssim under CEQA requirements another public
hearing is not required.
yMC[4 sEMMED AND CAPMED: Moved by Carico, seconded by Gottlieb and passed
by the following roll call vote to bring the Final EIR for the Adobe Creek
Lodge and 0ountry club back to Planning Comnissiai for review and recommendation
to the City Council.
ROLL CALL:
AyES: COmrissiu�s Gottlieb, Lachenbruch, Struthers and Chairman Carico
NOES: Comnissicners Kaufman, Siegel and Yanez
ABSTAIN: None
MCTICN SBCaDED AND CAIU=: Moved by Siegel, seconded by Gottlieb and passed
by the following roll call vote to hold a Public Hearing on the Final EIR
for Adobe Creek Lodge and Country Club.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: ConTrussioners Gottlieb, Kauhran, lachenbruch, Siegel and Chairman Carico
NOES: Comwissioners Struthers and Yanez
ABSTAIN: None
Mr. Pang questioned the timing of the Final EIR back from consultant for review.
Ms. Lytle indicated they will be neeting with the consultant in the very near
future, but guessed the Final EIR would not return for review for a few months.
E. OLD BUSINESS:
1. Cmutissioner Struthers reported on the Joint Planning Ccnydssim FO=
which the Town and Los Altos are hosting on Wednesday, May 16, 1986 from
4:00 to 6:00 P.M. Struthers noted she has spoke with Ciddy Wbrdell. over
the following topics: bulky structures and design control; and m -
development of residential lots, noting if them are my suggestions on
other topics to discuss to please get them to her within the next week.
F. NIM BUSINESS:
1. Comission,r lachellbruch expressed concern over happening just
recently of staff referring applicants to cannissionezz (by telephone) on
items which have not yet been reviewed by Commission and possibly staff,
noting he is concerned that this practice is not really fair to the applicant
as well as Planning Commission members. Lachenbruch noted he felt the
applicants are not very well informed of the Municipal Code and the
discretion of what ComTcLssion n��s have, noting it is very difficult to
relate to the applicant when commission does not haw the material or back-
ground in front of them, suggesting perhaps what we need to initiate is a
"Preliminary RevieW' of these types of situations on a full Cmmission level
rather than dealing with them Over the telephone.
cmuLissioners also indicated they felt uncomfortable with applicants phoning
them with case situations, feeling the same way lachenbruch described, as
not hs�g the information or background to refer to and no staff input.
Commissioners suggested that perhaps when staff is unsure Of an issue and
how Commissioners will relate to it, staff should call us and let us know
the situation, thereby we would be better informed.
Planning Comnissim Minutes - March 26, 1986
Page Eight
F. NEW BUSUMS: (continuedl
2. Comnissicner Kauft� expressed concern over receiving "hand�ritten"
4wr ccuuents in the packets, noting perhaps comen ts should be required
to be typed.
Comissioner Lachenbruch requested a copy of the Floor A� Graph
�hich was mentioned by Camissicner Kaufnm in his report from the
City Council. Staff indicated they would provide this infomation.
G. AWCUIUSM:
There being no further new or old business, the n�eeting was adjourned
at 11: 10 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Leslie Dbllins
Engineering/Planning
#42V
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